A 25-member team from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is in the Normandy region of France to search for three missing airmen whose C-47A aircraft was presumably shot down by German antiaircraft fire on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Among the team members is Air Force Staff Sgt. David Owsianka, whose job it is to photograph possible remains, along with parts of the aircraft and life support equipment.
The exact location of each forensic photograph is noted to ensure that the forensic and scientific recovery operations are traceable and to provide proper documentation of what is being conducted and recorded.
In the civilian world, Owsianka’s title would be forensic photographer, such as those who photograph crime scene investigations.
While serving as a member of DPAA, Owsianka provides forensic photographs while on investigation and recovery missions, and assists with documenting disinterments, interments, autopsies and a multitude of other public affairs related documentation.
However, Owsianka’s official Air Force job is public affairs specialist. So, he’s not only trained in photography, but also journalism, broadcasting and public affairs. Of those, photography is his favorite, he said.
As part of this mission, Owsianka also uses some of his journalism training, interviewing some of the team members and taking their pictures.
Besides taking photos and writing stories, Owsianka helps the team with sifting dirt to search for possible remains, aircraft parts and life support equipment.
This is Owsianka’s fifth recovery mission. He’s also been on missions to Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines.
“It’s always a humbling experience being able to, hopefully, find a service member and help bring them home to their family members who’ve been waiting so long for closure,” he said about this and previous missions he’s been on.
Owsianka is married to Joheart Love — she has two first names and is a Filipina. The couple have a 5-year-old daughter, and they’re living in Hawaii where he’s stationed. Owsianka said he chats with them twice a day.
